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Auctions America to sell vintage military equipment

October 22, 2012

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If you’ve ever wanted to get your hands on a World War II-era Daimler-Benz DB10 12-ton Prime mover, the Auctions America event on Dec. 8 may be your only chance.

The auction house is concluding its 2012 season by helping the National Military History Center in Auburn, Ind., sell more than 80 vintage military vehicles and more than 100 pieces of war memorabilia.

“This is truly an exceptional opportunity for collectors of both vehicles and military hardware to acquire many one-of-a-kind lots and prototypes,” says Donnie Gould, Auctions America president. “The museum items are not relics; they tell not only the American story in both war and peace, but also the histories of Germany, France and Britain.”

The DB10 is a half-track, meaning it has regular wheels in front to steer and tank treads in back for torque and grip. This particular vehicle currently has no engine but specifications call for a Maybach V12 gasoline engine. It doesn’t come equipped with any arms either, but could be fitted with a 7.92-mm MG34 or MG42 machine guns when the zombies come calling. The 12-ton half-tracks started production in 1935 and kept rolling until 1945. Their main purpose was to move a large variety of artillery in service with the German army.

A 1943 Chevrolet C60L CMP 4x4 General Service truck will also cross the block in Indiana. It has a 216-cubic-inch I6 making 85 hp. It has a four-speed transmission with one reverse gear. The C60Ls and similar models built by Ford accounted almost a quarter of the trucks built in Canada during WWII. This is a three-ton model that features a cab with a reverse slope windshield and embedded headlights. Several body types were produced including ambulance, gas and water tanker, dental clinic and general cargo, as displayed.

In addition to the heavy machinery, the auction will also offer a selection of motorcycles, including this 1937 Victoria KR9. The German army-gray cycle has a 15-hp, two-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a four-speed, hand-change gearbox. Top speed is about 65 mph. These bikes weren’t purpose-built military vehicles. Most were purchased for service from civilian stocks. It’s mainly for paved-road use, the lack of rear suspension and suspiciously low ground clearance make it more a transport bike than a warzone tool.

Tickets to the one-day auction are available for $10 per person for the preview day on Friday, Dec. 7, and auction day on Saturday, Dec. 8, which will allow visitors to access the museum. All the proceeds from admissions for both days will go directly to the National Military History Center, which is currently looking for funds to shore up its finances and create more room to better display military items.